Union rejects Southern strike deal

Aslef said a proposed resolution to the dispute with Southern was rejected by 54.1 per cent in a turnout of 72 per cent.

General secretary Mick Whelan said: ‘We understand and support the decision arrived at democratically by our members and will now work to deliver a resolution in line with their expectations.’

Aslef said 953 ballot papers were sent out, with 693 returned. There were 317 votes in favour (45.9 per cent) of the proposed deal, and 374 against (54.1 per cent), with two invalid papers.

The union’s leaders had agreed the deal during 11 days of talks held at the headquarters of the TUC.